This comes after the Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) criticised the manner in which the government announced the ceiling prices, saying it had made it impossible for its members to clear existing stock which they had bought at old rates.
The wholesale price was fixed at RM16 a unit and the retail price at RM19.90 a unit. The prices, set under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 and Control of Supplies Act 1961, will take effect from Sept 5.
In a statement, domestic trade and consumer affairs minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said the decision was not done in a rush and the price control was aimed at ensuring that the self-test kits were affordable for the public.
He said the claim that the ceiling prices for Covid-19 self-test kits were set in a hurry was not true. He said the ministry took over a month to reach the decision after consultations with local industry players, relevant agencies and manufacturers, among others.
“I’d really appreciate it if the MPS could be more rational and realistic with the current situation where the self-testing equipment is a sensitive item in terms of price and supply to the people. Self-testing tools need to be controlled in the interest of the well-being of the people and the country during the pandemic,” he said.
Yesterday, MPS president Amrahi Buang described the ministry’s announcement as “sudden” and wondered why a grace period wasn’t given to industry players to clear existing stock.
He said that in the absence of a grace period, the ministry must allow pharmacies to return stock that was purchased at higher prices or get suppliers to subsidise the cost.
In a separate press conference, health minister Khairy Jamaluddin said there was a need to have a balance between the suppliers, retailers and the public on the sale of self-test kits.
“If we give them a month to clear stock, the one who will be affected are the rakyat because they will be forced to pay up to RM40 for the kit.
“The decision has been made. I understand that in any decision that we make, some will be unhappy. In this case, it is the suppliers and the retailers. But Alexander Nanta Linggi and I are siding with consumers, who asked for the prices to be reduced.”
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